An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, meaning it was never valid in the first place. This can occur for various reasons, such as lack of consent, fraud, or if one party was not of legal age. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened. In many jurisdictions, obtaining an annulment requires filing a petition in court and providing evidence to support the claim. The process can vary depending on local laws, and it may involve legal representation. Annulments can have implications for issues like property division and child custody.